Our History

Dear visiting family,

A prayer for ninety students

San Francisco Christian School was founded by Jack McBirney in September 1971, after he returned to San Francisco from missionary service in Newfoundland, Canada. Frustrated by the lack of Christian education for his children, he was burdened to start a school. He and the founding board prayed for 90 students to enroll on opening day, and 90 students enrolled.

More than fifty years in the city

From that first day on Dorland Street, SFC has stayed rooted in San Francisco, settled since 1976 at 25 Whittier Street, and since 1984 a ministry of Calvary Baptist Church. Generations have grown up here: a number of today’s staff and leadership are SFC alumni, taught in these same classrooms.

Come and see for yourself.

The SFC Faculty & Staff

Milestones

1971

Founded

Opens K–10 in the educational building at First Covenant Church on Dorland Street.

1972

Junior and senior high move to Calvary Baptist Church

11th and 12th grades added.

1973

First graduating class

1976

New school building constructed on Whittier Street

Used first by the junior and senior high.

1982

Junior and senior high move to the Serramonte Del Rey campus

The elementary school moves into the Whittier Street building.

1984

SFC incorporated into the ministry of Calvary Baptist Church

1989

The campus configuration we know today

Junior and senior high return to the Calvary Baptist Church facilities, in the fall.

1996

International program formalized

Approved to issue I-20 forms for international students.

2026

55 years of SFC

Celebrated with the 55th Anniversary Bash on May 1, 2026.

Teachers and staff who care about my child. I appreciate the music program, education, and extracurriculars with Christian worldview.

SFC Parent · Fall 2025 Family Survey